GVH Bikes has a CAAD3 R500 frame/fork combo for $350.

Goto this link (http://gvhbikes.com/bikes.html) and scroll down til you see it in various sizes.

http://gvhbikes.com/02%20C%27dales/2-11-02/55%20c%27dale%20c3.jpg

Just note that those Caad3's don't ride very well. It wasn't until the Caad 4 series that they got the ride quality dialed in.

Good to know. I think I saw GVH selling some CAAD4 frames for around $450 or so. It's on the same page as the above, just scroll down. There's even a 5.

Good to know. I think I saw GVH selling some CAAD4 frames for around $450 or so. It's on the same page as the above, just scroll down. There's even a 5.

Those are much nicer frames, and well worth the extra money.


:)

Those are much nicer frames, and well worth the extra money. :)

Just curious for my own bike knowledge... What are the differences in ride characteristics between the early 3 versus the CAAD4 and 5 frames?

Just curious for my own bike knowledge... What are the differences in ride characteristics between the early 3 versus the CAAD4 and 5 frames?

The most significant change is the introduction of the bone-saving hourglass stays on the CAAD 4.

The most significant change is the introduction of the bone-saving hourglass stays on the CAAD 4.
That's a big change. Good to know. Thanks!
I guess that's why this frame is only $350 ;)

Just curious for my own bike knowledge... What are the differences in ride characteristics between the early 3 versus the CAAD4 and 5 frames?

It is very stiff, but I didn't think it was punishing. It was a great crit and climbing bike because of the acceleration, and it's quick steering. However, it was a beatch to keep my line around a tight turn with other riders at my elbows; I had to make multiple steering adjustments through the turns because the handling geometry was skittish.

I am much happier with my Giant TCR2 (aluminium).